She pressed a Judas kiss on Meg's brow, where her lips seared like fire. Glancing hurriedly round the room, she wondered how she could harm the girl. Here, it was useless; the servants were within call, they would hear here. She must get the girl to some other part of the house, and there---- Yes. In that moment she formed a plan, and proceeded to carry it out. No fox was so cunning as she, at that moment.
"So you are to marry Lord Ardleigh, child?"
"Yes. You know him, then."
"I was told--I was told. Ha! ha! No wonder he was like the picture of Sir Alurde."
"Sir Alurde is his ancestor," said Meg, wondering at the strange manner of her hostess.
"Yes, yes! And you are to be Lady Ardleigh! I am glad he means well, child. Yes, I thought his doings were evil. Poor man! Ha, ha!"
"Dear Miss Linisfarne, lie down, and let me call the housekeeper."
"No, no! I shall be better presently. Let me get up! I am quite strong. Hush, child; not a word! Let me whisper in your ear! I have a wedding present for you."
"A present for me!"
"Yes, I am going to give you the portrait of Sir Alurde. I asked Lord Ardleigh, and he said I could do so."